Post-Master’s Certificate-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
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Build on Your MSN and Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Marymount University’s online Post-Master’s Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMC-PMHNP) program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner through a strongly focused curriculum based on ethics and evidence-based care. Coursework in the online Post-Master’s Certificate program is 100% remote, yet with the residency experience on Marymount’s campus in the Washington, D.C. area, you’ll benefit from a global perspective that empowers you to make a difference as a nurse practitioner locally, nationally, and internationally.
In just two years, you can graduate fully prepared for the AANP or ANCC PMHNP certification exam and start your career as a compassionate psychiatric mental health practitioner caring for patients with mental health disorders or substance abuse problems across the lifespan.
Specialize in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing as a PMHNP
Marymount’s online PMHNP certificate program centers around holistic, compassionate care and patient advocacy. After completing this program, you will apply the advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to provide evidence-informed mental and behavioral health care for patients of all ages, considering their families, communities, and socioeconomic status. You will also be able to:
- Explain the basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics related to psychopharmacological therapeutic agents, including classes, mechanisms of action, and symptoms of adverse drug reactions.
- Explore the individual and family’s health beliefs to create an individualized, holistic, and evidenced-informed plan of care to promote optimal outcomes.
- Discuss pertinent ethical-legal issues, cultural considerations, and bias when prescribing psychopharmacological therapeutic agents across the lifespan.
- Distinguish differential diagnoses and propose an evidence-informed care plan for common psychiatric or mental health complaints.
- Develop communication strategies with individuals, families, and the interdisciplinary team to promote optimal health outcomes.
- Assume increasing responsibility and accountability as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in providing quality care within the legal scope of practice.
Why Pursue an Online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate?
Mental health and physical health are strongly connected — one can affect the other — yet nearly half of all Americans lack access to proper mental health care.* As a nurse practitioner, you’ve seen that poor mental health or mental illness can contribute to chronic health conditions and affect a patient’s well-being.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 4.7% of the practicing 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. are certified in psychiatric/mental health. The need for more PMHNPs is critical.
Marymount’s online PMC-PMHNP certificate program provides a pathway for you to fill the need. Our part-time program offers you the flexibility to balance work and education and get certified to treat mental health concerns in patients of all ages.
*Health Resources & Services Administration
Expert Faculty, Unmatched Student Support
Our highly engaged faculty sees each student as an individual. You’ll learn from practicing PMHNPs who are experts in their field as you translate theoretical knowledge from the sciences and humanities into delivering advanced nursing care to diverse populations. You’ll benefit from access to a dedicated Student Success Advisor, who will work with you to ensure you have the resources you need to complete your degree.
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-master’s certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Marymount University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Program Features

Admission Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions


